Sesia Maria Pullover Jumper Knitting Pattern

Sesia Maria Pullover

What is Being Made

The Sesia Maria Pullover is an easy-level knitted sweater designed by Teresa Chorzepa. This pullover is available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X, with finished bust measurements from 37½ inches (95.5 cm) to 52½ inches (133.5 cm) and lengths from 22 inches (56 cm) to 27 inches (68.5 cm). The pullover features a classic crewneck design and is constructed as a seamed garment with a neckband finish.

Construction Techniques

The Maria Pullover is worked using a bottom-up construction method, meaning the sweater is knitted starting from the hem and progressing upward toward the shoulders. The garment is worked flat on straight needles for the main body pieces, with individual front and back panels that are later seamed together. The neckband is worked in the round using a circular needle, creating a finished edge at the neck opening. This combination of flat and in-the-round knitting is a traditional approach that allows for precise shaping and a polished final appearance.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Maria Pullover is the Mesh Pattern, which is a lace stitch that creates an open, airy fabric. The Mesh Pattern is worked over a multiple of 6 stitches plus 3 additional stitches and features yarn overs combined with decreases to form the characteristic openwork design. Specifically, the pattern uses the following decrease techniques:

• K2tog (knit 2 together) — a right-leaning decrease worked by knitting 2 stitches together through the front loops
• Ssk (slip, slip, knit) — a left-leaning decrease created by slipping 2 stitches knitwise one at a time, returning them to the left needle in turned position, and knitting them together through the back loops
• SK2P (slip, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over) — a left-leaning double decrease for more pronounced shaping
• Yarn overs (yo) — increases that create the open holes characteristic of lace knitting

The neckband is finished using Garter Stitch in the round, which alternates knit rounds with purl rounds to create a textured, reversible edge. The garment begins with 2 rows of garter stitch at the cast-on edge to create a stable, non-curling hem.

Materials and Gauge

The Maria Pullover is knitted with Sesia BIO BIMBO, a 100% organic cotton yarn in the colorway #1631 lake front. The yardage requirements range from 4 balls for the smallest size to 7 balls for the largest sizes, with each ball containing 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and providing 196 yards (179 meters) of yarn. The pattern is worked on US size 5 (3.75mm) needles, including a set of straight needles for the body and a 16-inch (40 cm) circular needle for the neckband. The recommended gauge is 16 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in the Mesh Pattern, making this an important measurement to verify before beginning the project to ensure proper fit across all size options.